Hillsborough, Broward, and Palm Beach counties add to Florida's 2026 measles total
One case in Hillsborough and two in Broward were confirmed in patients younger than 4, according to a state database. The Palm Beach case was reported at a high school. Read more.
House won't consider vaccine exemptions, AI guidelines during special session
The Florida House won’t take up bills to eliminate vaccine exemptions and create artificial intelligence guidelines at this week’s special session, as Gov. Ron DeSantis expected. "This shows what happens when common sense, the public voice, and strong-rooted medical practice prevail over fringe science," former surgeon general Scott Rivkees told WUSF. Read more.
Why many Americans are turning to AI for health advice
Gallup found that people often use AI chatbots for quick answers, additional information or research before or after seeing a doctor. However, concerns about accuracy and privacy persist. Read more.
Study: Gen AI struggles with differential diagnoses
A study recently published in JAMA Network Open found that publicly available generative AI models overwhelmingly struggle to generate appropriate differential diagnoses. “These models are great at naming a final diagnosis once the data is complete, but they struggle at the open-ended start of a case, when there isn't much information,” said lead author Arya Rao, an MD-PhD student at Harvard Medical School. Read more
Vaccines, budget cuts, affordability: Takeaways from RFK Jr.'s gauntlet of hearings
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week concluded a marathon series of hearings with federal lawmakers, during which he deflected blame for measles outbreaks and dwindling vaccination rates across the country, and touted several initiatives he says are making healthcare more affordable. Read more.
Special legislative session update
Florida’s latest special legislative session brought a series of unexpected shifts in timing and priorities and included issues that could affect the practice of medicine in Florida. On the first day of the special session, rather unexpectedly, the House convened at the appointed time, swore in three new members, and then Speaker Danny Perez announced that the House would take up the redistricting bill and pass it out on the floor tomorrow. However, Speaker Perez emphatically stated that the House would not be taking up the AI Bill of Rights or the Medical Freedom bills. Read more.
Physician regulatory update
The FMA’s latest regulatory update summarizes key updates for Florida-licensed physicians, from office surgery inspections to renewed scrutiny of APRN autonomous practice. Read more.
Get ready for the 2026 HCMA Membership Directory!
The HCMA has partnered with E&M Consulting, Inc. for the twelfth consecutive year to produce our Annual Membership Directory. The publication will be available in both print and digital formats. E&M will manage all aspects of the project, including advertising sales and graphic design. They are a highly professional organization and consistently produce a high-quality publication.
MEMBERS ONLY ADVERTISING RATES: E&M will be contacting all members regarding available advertising opportunities, and we kindly ask that you give them a moment of your time. The directory will be mailed to every HCMA member, making this an excellent opportunity to promote your practice and gain additional exposure. To view advertising options and reserve your ad online, please CLICK HERE! If you have any questions, please contact an E&M sales associate at 800-572-0011 ext. 0104 or email advertising@eandmsales.com
Nearly three in 10 physicians have been sued at least once in their career
Medical Economics reports, “The rate at which U.S. physicians face medical malpractice claims has declined over the past decade, but nearly three in 10 doctors have been sued at least once in their career, according to data from the” AMA. AMA’s Medical Liability Claim Frequency Among U.S. Physicians indicates that “surgeons in high-risk specialties face lifetime lawsuit rates approaching 75%.” The new “report’s central finding: In 2024, just 1.8% of physicians were sued in the prior year, down from 2.3% in 2016. As of 2024, 28.7% of physicians reported having been sued at least once in their career, compared with 34% in 2016.” AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD, said, “Physicians know the practice of medicine carries risk, and even highly skilled doctors face lawsuits.” Dr. Mukkamala added, “But a claim does not mean a mistake was made. Most cases never find fault with the physician, and the majority are dropped or dismissed before trial. Doctors continue to take on complex, high-risk care because patients depend on it. However, the ongoing liability risk not only challenges physicians but it increases practice expenses, reinforces defensive medical practices, and drives up healthcare costs for patients and families.” HCMA Benefit Provider, Integris, offers qualifying members a discount on professional liability insurance. Contact Dan Howell, Integris Regional Executive, for more details.
Health vs Hype
Help patients understand if health trends are real, risky, or backed by science. Listen to the new Health vs. Hype podcast from the AMA and iHeart Radio.
Physicians needed for the Hillsborough County Guardianship Examining Committee
The Hillsborough County Court, Guardianship Division, is currently seeking physicians for their Guardianship Examining Committee. The application period is open, with more information available on their website. PLEASE NOTE: for other disciplines, the deadline was December 5, 2025, but physician applications are accepted at any time. CLICK HERE. Please feel free to contact Jennifer Branch, Program Coordinator, at 813-301-7162 or email branchjl@fljud13.org if you have any questions.
